GASTON ELOCK MBANG2,4, AROUNA MESHUNEKE2,4, FABRICE DAMIEN WASSOM2,4, ARISTIDE DZELAMONYUY2, NICOLAS NIEMENAK3,4 & CÉCILE ANNIE EWANE1,2,4*
1Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Yaoundé 1, Yaoundé, Cameroon
2Laboratory of Phytoprotection and Valorization of Genetic Resources of The Biotechnology Centre, University of Yaoundé 1, Yaoundé, Cameroon.
3Department of Biological Science, Higher Teacher’s Training College, University of Yaoundé 1, Yaoundé, Cameroon.
4Laboratory of Biochemistry and Vegetal Physiology of Higher Teacher’s Training College, University of Yaoundé 1, Yaoundé, Cameroon.
*Corresponding author: cecile-annie.ewane@fasciences-uy1.cm
Received: 08 Sep 2025, Reviewed: 11 Nov 2025, Revised: 16 Dec 2025, Accepted: 08 Jan 2026, Published: 18 March 2026.
https://doi.org/10.63342/cjbbs2026.34.25028.en
ABSTRACT
Plantain is a staple food that contributes to food security in sub-Saharan Africa. However, its production remains insufficient due to various constraints, including parasitic pressure from Mycosphaerella fijiensis. This study aims to evaluate the effect of a bioproduct based on Tithonia diversifolia and Emilia coccinea on the growth and protection of PIF plantains. Two bioproduct modalities (B1 and B2) were produced, and treated PIF plants were generated. Bioproduct stability, in vitro test against Mycosphaerella fijiensis, growth parameters, susceptibility to Mycosphaerella fijiensis, and biomarker accumulation on PIF plantain leaves were evaluated. Growth was monitored for six months, and the leaves aged three and six months were taken at different periods (BI, 3AI and 28AI). The results show that the bioproduct was very stable and should be stored at room temperature away from light. The in vitro confrontation test revealed a very significant (P< 0.0001) inhibitory effect of the bioproduct on Mycosphaerella fijiensis growth. It stimulated explant germination as well as production of a large number of seedlings with significant increase in diameter, height and leaf surface area by 78.05%, 47.42% and 246.90% respectively compared to untreated seedlings. In addition, seedlings of different ages treated with the bioproduct showed very low sensitivity to Mycosphaerella fijiensis, especially those aged six months. Bioproduct treatment also significantly improved the accumulation of defense biomarkers before and after inoculation, with a greater effect observed three days after inoculation. The use of the bioproduct B2 appears to be effective and eco-responsible, and could be an effective tool for improving plant quality.
Keywords: Biological product, Mycosphaerella fijiensis, PIF plantain, Growth and defense biomarkers.
RÉSUMÉ
Le plantain est un aliment de base qui contribue à la sécurité alimentaire en Afrique subsaharienne. Cependant, sa production reste insuffisante en raison de diverses contraintes, dont la pression parasitaire exercée par Mycosphaerella fijiensis. Cette étude vise à évaluer l’effet d’un bioproduit à base de Tithonia diversifolia et d’Emilia coccinea sur la croissance et la protection des plantains PIF. Deux modalités de bioproduits (B1 et B2) ont été produites et des plants PIF traités ont été générés. La stabilité du produit, le test in vitro contre Mycosphaerella fijiensis, les paramètres de croissance, la sensibilité à Mycosphaerella fijiensis et l’accumulation de biomarqueurs sur les feuilles de plantain PIF ont été évalués. La croissance a été suivie pendant six mois et les feuilles âgées de trois et six mois ont été prélevées à différentes périodes (BI, 3AI et 28AI). Les résultats montrent que le bioproduit est très stable et doit être stocké à température ambiante et à l’abri de la lumière. Le test de confrontation in vitro a révélé un effet inhibiteur très significatif (P< 0,0001) du bioproduit sur la croissance de Mycosphaerella fijiensis. Il a stimulé la germination des explants ainsi que la production d’un grand nombre de plantules avec une augmentation significative du diamètre, de la hauteur et de la surface foliaire de 78,05 %, 47,42 % et 246,90 % respectivement par rapport aux plantules non traitées. De plus, les semis de différents âges traités avec le bioproduit ont montré une très faible sensibilité à Mycosphaerella fijiensis, particulièrement ceux âgés de six mois. Le traitement au bioproduit a également amélioré de façon significative l’accumulation de biomarqueurs de défense avant et après le traitement au bioproduit. L’utilisation du bioproduit B2 semble être efficace, éco-responsable et pourrait être un outil efficace pour l’amélioration de la qualité des plantes.
Mots-clés : Produit biologique, Mycosphaerella fijiensis, plantain PIF, biomarqueurs de croissance et de défense.
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